By Our Correspondent
National News – The Nigerian Senate on Thursday approved the 2026 statutory budget of the Federal Capital Territory, passing a total expenditure plan of N2.285 trillion aimed at boosting infrastructure, healthcare, transportation, security, and public services in Abuja and surrounding satellite towns.
The budget was adopted during plenary after lawmakers considered and approved the harmonised report submitted by the joint Senate and House of Representatives Committees on the FCT.
The report was presented by Senator Austin Akobundu, Vice Chairman of the Senate Committee on the FCT, on behalf of committee chairman Senator Ibrahim Bomai.
According to lawmakers, the budget was prepared from a projected revenue of N2.385 trillion and structured to prioritise capital development projects across the nation’s capital.
Breakdown of the approved FCT 2026 budget showed that N165.7 billion was allocated for personnel costs, while N378.2 billion was earmarked for overhead expenses.
The largest share, N1.741 trillion, was dedicated to capital expenditure, representing 76.19 per cent of the total budget, while recurrent expenditure accounted for 23.8 per cent.
Senator Akobundu explained that the appropriation process followed constitutional provisions and involved extensive discussions between National Assembly committees and officials of the Federal Capital Territory Administration.
He noted that the spending framework was designed to improve infrastructure and support the rapidly growing population in Abuja and neighbouring communities.
Deputy Senate President Senator Jibrin Barau described the budget as balanced and development-focused, praising the FCT administration for prioritising infrastructure renewal.
Senator Abdul Ningi also commended the proposal, saying it addressed concerns previously raised by lawmakers during oversight engagements with the FCTA.
The Senate later passed the appropriation bill through third reading, paving the way for transmission to President Bola Tinubu for assent.
Analysts believe the approval could accelerate ongoing road construction, healthcare expansion, transportation projects, and urban development within the Federal Capital Territory.
